by Morena Menegatti

Did you know? The highest photo-exhibition ever set up in Europe is these days visible at 2,652.00 metres above sea level, on Passo Gavia, one of the most challenging stages of Giro d’Italia, the most famous Italian cycling race. It’s called “Adamello Pedala“ and it is entirely made of Instagram pictures amongst which there’s also one of mines (here in this page; see others on Instagram@morenaemme).

The pictures document a two-days challenge that over 3 thousand cyclists undertook climbing Passo Gavia and Passo Mortirolo, the hardest stages of Giro d’Italia. Some were very professional, some climbed on vintage bikes, others went with their entire families, defying strain and an average 8% slope (max gradient 16%!).

It’s certainly been a huge effort, but all reached the peak, which turned out as a great success.

Alberto Contador, the very well known Spanish champion, was the “prize” for those who could reach the peak for first, as he was also climbing and would stay a little bit on the top of the mountain for an autographs give away and to answer some interviews.

The best part of this experience for those who are not professional cyclists, like me, is the amazing view these mountains do offer. Looking down the hill from around certain corners is like flying over never ending tiny streets clutched at the mountains like snakes. The horizon looks far away and the sensation is that your enterprise is worth such a difficult exertion.

We, as “mobile photographers” and “Instagram addicted” were there with the association Instagramers Italia and several bloggers to take pictures to the athletes and to all those who decided to meet this challenge, using the hashtag #AdamelloPedala, which is now the name of the higher exhibition ever held in Europe, on top of Passo Gavia!

The best pictures taken during the event, which took place on August 3rd (climbing Passo Gavia) and 4th (climbing Mortirolo), are now staged at Rifugio Bonetta until the end of September.

Today even RTL 102.5, the Italian main national radio broadcast, talked about this event during “Eccellenze Nazionali”, its program dedicated to what achieves greatness in Italy. Here’s the podcast (in Italian):